Federal Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

What action should be taken if a resident with a living will requests CPR, but a family member asks to withhold it?

1. Withhold CPR

2. Provide the CPR

3. Consult legal counsel first

4. Ignore the family member's request

The correct answer is: Provide the CPR

In situations where a resident has a living will that clearly indicates their desire for CPR, the primary consideration is to honor the resident's expressed wishes. A living will is a legal document that outlines an individual's preferences regarding medical treatment in the event that they are unable to communicate those wishes themselves. When the resident is alert and competent to make decisions, their request for CPR should take precedence, as it reflects their autonomy and right to make choices about their own medical care. The family member's request to withhold CPR is an important consideration, but it does not override the resident's legally documented wishes. Instead, the healthcare team should respect the living will, provided the resident has the capacity to make their own decisions and is expressing their wishes clearly. It's important for nursing home administrators and staff to acknowledge and communicate the contents of the living will, while also being sensitive to the family's concerns. However, unless there are legal ambiguities or questions about the resident's capacity, the resident's choice should guide the response to the request for CPR.